2023 was a year to remember for United Way of South Central Michigan. As we reach the end of this year, we reflect on our first full year as an organization and the accomplishments and impact we have made within our community. We have dedicated ourselves to fostering a positive change with programs and initiatives in our region that support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed) households in meeting their basic needs, and achieving their health, education and economic goals. As the year comes to a close, its not just about celebrating the end, but also acknowledging the incredible journey we have taken together as a group. Join us in revisiting the top moments that have shaped our organization and solidified our commitment to making a lasting difference in our communities.
Top UWSCMI Moments of 2023
Kalamazoo CoC 2023 Point in Time Count
The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a HUD required count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. On January 23rd, 2023 volunteers and unhoused service providers participated in the count at night for the first time. Hand and foot warmers as well as emergency blankets were distributed throughout the count.
Bethany Broom-Dombrowski Shares Testimony
UWSCMI’s Bethany Broom-Dombrowski shares her personal insights on the Earned Income Tax Credit during her testimony before the Michigan Senate’s Housing and Human Services Committee. Read more at https://bit.ly/4ajOXdc.
MIBiz Magazine’s “Best Merger and Acquisitions” Award
Awarded to UWSCMI for the top nonprofit merger of the year! Chris Sargent and Teresa Kmetz were in attendance to accept the award.
Great Rivers Conference 2023
Another fantastic visit at the United Way Great Rivers Conference in Minnesota! Alyssa Stewart and Lyonel LaGrone II both presented on Trust Based Philanthropy in partnership with UW colleagues and the Trust Based Philanthropy Project.
Capital Area Volunteer of the Year (VOTY) Awards
For National Volunteer Month we celebrated by announcing the 10 winners of our Capital Area Volunteer of the Year Awards. Lansing’s Fox 47 news anchors Bob Hoffman and Sheri Jones hosted a pre recorded award ceremony that was viewed in our Capital Area office by nominees. For more visit https://unitedforscmi.org/a-night-of-volunteerism-the-2022-voty-awards/.
UWSCMI’s 1st Birthday/Anniversary Celebration
In honor of our 1st Birthday/Anniversary, our staff met and celebrated accordingly with lunch and cake! It was a great way for all our staff members to collaborate and form closer relationships.
The 2023 ALICE Report is Released
This report shows data and statistics from 2021 on how ALICE individuals and families were affected by various factors throughout the year. Our very own Bethany Broom-Dombrowski spoke on behalf of the ALICE Report and its data at the ALICE Report rollout in part with Michigan Association of United Ways. For more on this report and its data visit https://bit.ly/3tjFjqy.
Women United’s Lighting the Path Luncheon
Dozens of community members attended United Way of South Central Michigan’s 22nd Annual Lighting the Path Luncheon, featuring Attorney General Dana Nessel as the guest speaker. Through acts of philanthropy, volunteerism and other engagement activities, Women United aims to provide these girls with positive female role models and mentors, leadership programming, positive decision-making and coping skills and introduce them to a diverse range of opportunities for STEAM and other non-traditional career paths. For more visit https://unitedforscmi.org/see-photos-from-the-women-united-lighting-the-path-luncheon-with-ag-dana-nessel/.
UWSCMI’s Community Celebrations in Lansing, Jackson, and Battle Creek/Kalamazoo
We were able to celebrate our 1 year of impact with our regions, presenting ALICE Report Data, meeting with board members, and allowing us to share the work we’ve been doing in our communities over the course of our first fiscal year as a merged organization. It was a pleasure meeting and collaborating with our leaders and celebrating the impact to come!
Pride Celebrations
We celebrated Pride in St. Johns, Kalamazoo, and Lansing this year. It was a pleasure to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community in our region and we look forward to doing it for years to come!
Time Spent in Washington D.C.
Our CEO, Chris Sargent, and Community Impact Director, Lyonel LaGrone, spent the week in Washington D.C. advocating for support of the HELP Act and Farm Bill, SNAP benefits, 2-1-1, and Charitable Deduction.
They also spent some time to discuss the newest ALICE Report UWSCMI’s programs supporting households in our region!
United Way DEI Convening
Patrese Griffin and Ebone Young visited Alexandria, Virginia for the United Way DEI Convening to continue our efforts increasing our organizational awareness on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
National Coalition to End Homelessness in Capitol Hill
Our Community Impact and Kalamazoo Continuum of Care teams accompanied the National Coalition to End Homelessness at Capitol Hill this year!
There they met with Senator Debbie Stabenaw’s staff and Senator Gary Peters to discuss the competition between CoC’s and how to channel more funding to homelessness programs, specifically those that incorporate partnerships with behavioral health agencies.
Michigan Association of United Ways Annual Conference
11 team members from United Way of South Central Michigan attended the Michigan Association of United Ways annual conference in Northern Michigan last week! During this conference, team members connected with United Way teams from across the state to share innovative ideas, build collaborative relationships, and strengthen the United Way network in Michigan, so we can better serve our local communities.
Our very own Teresa Kmetz and Alyssa Stewart were both were given awards during this conference: Teresa for her service as Board Chair for MAUW, and Alyssa for 10 years of service to the UW network!
Kalamazoo Wings Hockey Game
We, along with 12 partner organizations, had some fun with the K Wings and connected with community members in Kalamazoo. All jersey auction proceeds benefitted United Way of South Central Michigan!
Central Michigan 2-1-1 20th Anniversary Celebration
We celebrated the 20th anniversary of Central Michigan 2-1-1 in Jackson! UWSCMI had multiple speakers discussing the impact 2-1-1 has had within our communities and look forward to their continued assistance!
Consumer’s Coney Challenge
This year we welcomed back the Consumer’s Coney Challenge! This entertaining campaign opening event raised $14,000 for their community, and have a few tasty treats along the way. Thank you to Mitch Wilfer, Chris Sargent, and Bethany Stutzman for their efforts!
Farewells
It was a bittersweet year as two of our United Way colleagues retired after many years of service to our organization. We wish Ken Toll (Jackson) and Jim Eddy (Lansing) the very best with their newest chapter of their lives and thank them for their dedication to United Way and their communities.